Baume & Mercier has long understood that elegance is not necessarily defined by grand designs but is instead shaped by a strong identity and subtle touches. Moving swiftly between Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie, the Maison’s pursuit of perfect watchmaking has lent elegance a vivid form, through numerous timepieces that balance refined visuals with mechanical reliability. At Watches and Wonders 2026, the revered horologist provides new vessels for refined glamour through the new Joia de Baume & Mercier and Riviera 73 timepieces.
Baume & Mercier’s acclaim with ladies’ watches rose as swiftly as it evolved, spurred by a vision that took shape in 1918, the same year that Paul Mercier forged an alliance with William Baume. Noting women’s ardour for Haute Joaillerie, the two began to experiment with novelties of beguiling aesthetics, which would later shape the guiding principles of the Joia de Baume & Mercier. Presented in four captivating variations, the new Joia de Baume & Mercier embodies an effortless opulence that slips naturally into day-to-day life. Pairing practicality with ornamentation in equal measure, their elegant 28 mm stainless steel cases house the Ronda 751, a reliable quartz movement with five years of autonomy. Though their dimensions remain the same, each variation of the feminine timepiece translates differently on the wrist, starting with the special Joia de Baume & Mercier M0A10850.
For Baume & Mercier, this season’s “Belle of the ball” comes in the form of one bedazzling novelty that depicts both modern and historical opulence. An homage to the Maison’s own 1980s design, the diamond-encrusted timepiece boasts 40 brilliant-cut diamonds on its bezel, which radiantly frames the charming criss-crossed silver dial. At just 28 mm in size, Baume & Mercier keeps the dial effortless with the simplified black hour decals. The Roman numerals are made in similar fashion as the ruthenium leaf hands that are elongated yet refined all the same. Just beyond the 3 o’clock mark, a domed black agate punctuates the crown, serving as a contrast to the glimmering stainless steel bracelet with “mailles écrasées” décor.
If the Joia de Baume & Mercier M0A10850 leans into brilliance, the remaining references explore a more versatile side to glamour with their silver sunray motif dials. Like sunrays beaming against surfaces, the Joia de Baume & Mercier M0A10848 and M0A10847 quartz models display 4N gilded hour appliques and leaf hands. In contrast, M0A10849 features a rose gold (4N) polished stainless steel case with black Roman numerals and hands. M0A10848 comes with a timeless three-rowed stainless steel bracelet, while M0A10847 and M0A10849 clasp onto one’s wrist with blue or black calfskin straps. Together with the diamond-encrusted M0A10850, the new Joia de Baume & Mercier collection forms a rich cohesive wardrobe that moves easily between any occasion and everyday wear, rather than existing purely as statement pieces.
Where the Joia de Baume & Mercier expresses ornamental grace, the Riviera 73 introduces structure and presence through its 39 mm figure. Originally launched in 1973, the dapper timepiece rises from the archives and brings with it a contemporary appeal that feels both architectural and familiar. The stainless steel timepiece is presented in three variations, namely M0A10845, M0A10844, and M0A10846. While the first comes with a white opaline dial, the remaining two feature a blue sunray satin-finished dial but differ in the straps that attach them to the wrist. Though the first pristine white dial variation is offered with a three-row stainless steel bracelet, the blue dial models are paired with a stainless steel bracelet and a blue calfskin strap respectively. Regardless of their palettes, the Riviera 73 carries a resemblance with their preceding designs and presents Baume & Mercier’s renewed vision.
The essence of the original 1973 watch is carried over through the new model’s dodecagonal case, this time made in polished and satin-finished stainless steel. Defined by its crisp lines and facets, the case creates a strong presence without feeling oversized. The sharp and charming case holds together a durable sapphire crystal, which protects the dial beneath. Be it white or blue, the dial bears a wave motif that first appeared in the fifth generation of the Riviera collection in 2021. Alongside the minimalist Roman numeral hour indicators and open-worked hands, the subtle motif adds depth and playfulness to the classic silhouette, softening what could otherwise feel rigid. Apart from the date window at 3 o’clock, the Riviera 73 is also adorned with other accentuations such as the octagonal crown with the Phi logo and the “73” engraving on its full case back. With regards to durability, the Riviera 73’s Quartz (ETA F06.115) movement allows for five years of autonomy and the case itself has been manufactured to withstand 5 ATM of water.
When it comes to style, Baume & Mercier has always been quick to create new design codes that nevertheless carry its DNA. What distinguishes the Maison is its ability to refine rather than reinvent, evolving familiar forms without losing their original intent. In the beginning, the 196-year-old brand’s pursuit for watchmaking perfection began as a watchmaking counter in Les Bois, Swiss Jura. A decade into its craft, Baume & Mercier found success in international waters and built the brand across the UK, Asia, and Oceania. The years that followed would decorate the growing brand with notable honours, including the development of the Lépine calibre and Grand Prix wins. Seen in this light, the Joia de Baume & Mercier and Riviera 73 releases are not departures, but continuations to their origin stories that would serve to richly inspire future masterpieces and beyond.
